It's such a nice day out that I'm thinking about refreshment. Summer means ice cream and here's where you can get great cold stuff in St. John's:
Moo Moo's 88 King's Rd.
At this corner store/dairy shop fresh Newfoundland milk is made into amazing ice cream in all sorts of flavours of hard-packed yumminess. About 400 flavours have been developed in Moo Moo's basement kitchen. The most famous is Turtle Cheesecake which you can buy by the tub if you're so inclined. There's waffle cones and cups, milkshakes, soft serve and a couple new flavours every visit.
Dairy Queen Topsail Rd. and Portugal Cove Rd.
This spot is a long-time standard in ice cream and cold treats. Try the dilly bar or dipped cone. Blizzards are also great.
Auntie Crae's Water St.
This local food shop now has frozen yogurt. Yum.
Berg's Manuals, Long Pond and Mount Pearl
A bit of a drive but if you're out that way Berg's is a real treat. Ice cream, waffle cones, sundaes and probably anything else ice-cream related you'd want.
Know a great ice cream spot I didn't mention? Let me know!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Keep it Local
I visited the 18th annual Manufactured Right Here exhibition this past weekend at the Remax Centre. It's always encouraging to see the growing list of products made here in our province. Ours is a place in the world where it can be difficult to get certain products (such as fresh produce as an example) due to transportation issues and other headaches. It was great to see the number of products and services coming from our own backyards.
I saw lots of locally-made items from clothing to windows; from cabinets to milk and other food items.
Here is an excerpt from an online address given by the Newfoundland and Labrador Vice-President of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters:
"Buying locally-made goods means investment in our economy, and it means employment for all regions of our province. Every $1 of manufacturing output in Newfoundland & Labrador it generates $2.54 in total economic activity – the largest economic multiplier of any sector! For every $110,000 worth of product made here, we directly create one full-time job, and another one and half spin-off jobs.
But there are many other good reasons to buy locally-made products, in addition to the social and economic benefit to the community. Many are food products – so they are fresher, more flavourful, and reflect local trends in tastes. Large products, like furniture and mattresses often have reduced transportation costs, because they are made here. If you need after sales support, training or service, being close counts. Many of our products are unique – you just won’t find them elsewhere."
Just found: a blog about local NL products!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Curry delights in a small city
St. John's is diversifying it's portfolio.
A downtown well-known international flavour staple, India Gate restaurant (Duckworth St.), has been said to rival the best Indian and curry joints from near and far. With dishes like tandori chicken, lamb jalfrezi, various pakoras, and about a half dozen types of nann there’s lots to try. If you’re not sure what to get why not try the lunch buffet Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30, but be warned that it will probably be packed and a reservation is recommended. If you want to enjoy their luscious flavours at home you can order take out and it'll be ready when you arrive to pick it up.
I was at India Gate the other day and had a grand feast. The restaurant was about half-full and the food was spot on. The atmosphere is comfortable and sort of formal but you cold easily go dressed in jeans or something casual (especially for lunch). Service is always good and waitstaff attentive. I highly recommend trying the mango lassi which is a cold and refreshing smoothie-type yogurt mango drink. Also if there are two of you dining (or more) consider getting a few dishes to share. Once the food comes you'll definitely want to try your neighbour's and it's easier if this is pre-arranged. Finally I recommend ordering the Gate Snacks appetizer platter if there are two or more in your party. It's a lovely assortment of golden fried starters with pakoras, samosas, and bhajia. And keep in mind whatever you don't eat in one sitting will be delicious for lunch the next day.
On Water St. you can also sample Indian food at Taj Mahal where, if you get a seat near the back, you can watch chefs cook bread in their tandoor oven through an observation window. Taj also has a lunch buffet which features beef Mon-Wed and everyone’s favorite butter chicken Thurs-Fri. Ask anyone who likes Indian food in St. John's and they'll give you their opinion on which one they like better: India Gate or Taj Mahal. It's a matter of personal preference but I say try them both and make your own decision. Both have good eats and offer both meat and veggie options.
There’s also International Flavours on Quidi Vidi Rd. where you can get one of two choices: a plate of veg. curry or meat curry. Sometimes they’ll give you dollop of something new on your plate just to try. This spot always delivers authentic home cooked food.
If you aren’t in the downtown area and really want a samosa, try Taste East on Allandale Rd. (near the University). They have curries, kebabs and samosas for take-out at decent prices ($1.25 veg. samosa). Great for a lunchtime snack. Some people I know go to Tate East now to stock up on fresh spices and other Indian ingredients which can still be hard to find in our grocery stores.
Finally, if you’re in the mood for an authentic, home cooked international food experience and you don’t care about decor try Afghan Restaurant on Duckworth. The food is delish, cheap, and once you get a whiff of what’s on your plate you don’t care about the plastic table clothes or small tables anymore. They offer kebabs, samosas and lots of juicy, marinated meats, tender rice, warm bread...enough said.
Those are the best places that I've tried for Indian (and related) food in this city. If you're hankering for something creamy or spicy or just mouthwatering I highly suggesting making your way to one of these spots for a Indian treat.
A downtown well-known international flavour staple, India Gate restaurant (Duckworth St.), has been said to rival the best Indian and curry joints from near and far. With dishes like tandori chicken, lamb jalfrezi, various pakoras, and about a half dozen types of nann there’s lots to try. If you’re not sure what to get why not try the lunch buffet Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30, but be warned that it will probably be packed and a reservation is recommended. If you want to enjoy their luscious flavours at home you can order take out and it'll be ready when you arrive to pick it up.
I was at India Gate the other day and had a grand feast. The restaurant was about half-full and the food was spot on. The atmosphere is comfortable and sort of formal but you cold easily go dressed in jeans or something casual (especially for lunch). Service is always good and waitstaff attentive. I highly recommend trying the mango lassi which is a cold and refreshing smoothie-type yogurt mango drink. Also if there are two of you dining (or more) consider getting a few dishes to share. Once the food comes you'll definitely want to try your neighbour's and it's easier if this is pre-arranged. Finally I recommend ordering the Gate Snacks appetizer platter if there are two or more in your party. It's a lovely assortment of golden fried starters with pakoras, samosas, and bhajia. And keep in mind whatever you don't eat in one sitting will be delicious for lunch the next day.
On Water St. you can also sample Indian food at Taj Mahal where, if you get a seat near the back, you can watch chefs cook bread in their tandoor oven through an observation window. Taj also has a lunch buffet which features beef Mon-Wed and everyone’s favorite butter chicken Thurs-Fri. Ask anyone who likes Indian food in St. John's and they'll give you their opinion on which one they like better: India Gate or Taj Mahal. It's a matter of personal preference but I say try them both and make your own decision. Both have good eats and offer both meat and veggie options.
There’s also International Flavours on Quidi Vidi Rd. where you can get one of two choices: a plate of veg. curry or meat curry. Sometimes they’ll give you dollop of something new on your plate just to try. This spot always delivers authentic home cooked food.
If you aren’t in the downtown area and really want a samosa, try Taste East on Allandale Rd. (near the University). They have curries, kebabs and samosas for take-out at decent prices ($1.25 veg. samosa). Great for a lunchtime snack. Some people I know go to Tate East now to stock up on fresh spices and other Indian ingredients which can still be hard to find in our grocery stores.
Finally, if you’re in the mood for an authentic, home cooked international food experience and you don’t care about decor try Afghan Restaurant on Duckworth. The food is delish, cheap, and once you get a whiff of what’s on your plate you don’t care about the plastic table clothes or small tables anymore. They offer kebabs, samosas and lots of juicy, marinated meats, tender rice, warm bread...enough said.
Those are the best places that I've tried for Indian (and related) food in this city. If you're hankering for something creamy or spicy or just mouthwatering I highly suggesting making your way to one of these spots for a Indian treat.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Local lobster
It's that time of year again...Lobster time. You can find local fresh live lobster on road sides, seafood markets and even in grocery stores. With a great-weather May 2-4 weekend marking the beginning of summer it's time to start thinking about BBQs and boil-ups. Bidgood's has some great ideas and products for those who love lobster (they even package for shipping if you want to send or bring a treat to the mainland).
There's been talk that low prices for lobster this season have fishermen worried. So it's important to support our local lobster fishermen and buy fresh Newfoundland product. Head out to a market (like in Churchill Sq.) or out to the Overpass by the entrance to Paradise just outside of town (or one of the other many off-highway trucks selling fresh seafood).
So if you're into lobster, 'tis the season. The only way I know to cook lobster is the boil-up way. And if you're also new to this seasonal treat you can find all you need to know at inmammaskitchen.com.
There's been talk that low prices for lobster this season have fishermen worried. So it's important to support our local lobster fishermen and buy fresh Newfoundland product. Head out to a market (like in Churchill Sq.) or out to the Overpass by the entrance to Paradise just outside of town (or one of the other many off-highway trucks selling fresh seafood).
So if you're into lobster, 'tis the season. The only way I know to cook lobster is the boil-up way. And if you're also new to this seasonal treat you can find all you need to know at inmammaskitchen.com.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Breakfast Club
With Mother's Day coming up and signs of summer on the rise I thought I'd post about my favorite breakfast places in St. John's.
Breakfast foods in St. John’s can be divided into three categories: 1) quick, fast food, 2) sit down, quality fare, 3) traditional food for us all and a must for a visitor.
In the fast food category:
My favourite fast food breakie has to be A&W. It’s not too expensive and you get a decent coffee with your meal. They have traditional eggs, meat, toast meals and also sandwich combos. Not the healthiest stuff but great for a greasy fast food fix. Four locations: Avalon Mall, Torbay Rd., the Village Mall and Mount Pearl. Of course, in this category there’s also Timmies, Micky D’s, Subway, and Burger King. Another option that’s not often thought of is Irving stores. Don’t laugh too hard...the gas station come general store has a few locations in the city that serve pretty decent coffee, several breakfast sandwiches, muffins, and the best banana bread.
In the sit-down breakfast category:
I was always a big fan of Bagel Cafe (Duckworth St.) and find their menu diverse (everything from bagel sandwiches, to samosas, to smoked salmon) and not badly priced. Their restaurant is usually packed on weekend mornings, though, and it’s not uncommon to wait in a line up that stretches out the door until a table frees up. There’s Smitty’s (Duckworth St. and in Mount Pearl) which always offers satisfying pancakes for cheap. Cora’s is a national franchise which is relatively new to the city and has two locations: Atlantic Place downtown and Kenmount Rd. Both offer large meals with fresh fruit and a colourful atmosphere. Cora’s was voted best breakfast 2008 by Scope fans. Perhaps my favourite sit-down breakfast meal, though, is at Zachary’s (Duckworth St.) where you can get the traditional breakfast (with beans!) & unlimited coffee for under $8. And it has all day breakfast so you can order anytime you feel a hankering.
Finally, in the traditional category:
I had a hard time distinguishing some of my favourite breakfast spots from the “traditional” spots, but I just think these are the ones you’d bring a friend from out of town or a homesick relative who is home for a visit. First up there’s the undeniable Velma’s on Water St. They have cheap eats, no frills atmosphere, you can get fried baloney (if you’re into that kind of thing), and the wait staff will probably call you “honey” or "lover.” If you want a more frilled location (or want breakfast at 2am) try the 24-hr Celtic Hearth on Water St. It’s a bit more expensive but they have black and white pudding (again, if you’re into that), and the best potato pancakes ever. For your basic toast, eggs, meat, coffee try the Big R (Harvey Rd. and Blackmarsh Rd.) where you can get a plate of food for about $6.50. Finally, if you want a nice brunch and don't mind paying a little extra for good quality food, try Bacalo which boasts "Nouvelle Newfoundland cuisine" and delivers with everything from fish and brewis to a dish called green eggs and lamb.
It's the most important meal of the day and well worth a trip out to visit a new place or your tried and true spot.
Breakfast foods in St. John’s can be divided into three categories: 1) quick, fast food, 2) sit down, quality fare, 3) traditional food for us all and a must for a visitor.
In the fast food category:
My favourite fast food breakie has to be A&W. It’s not too expensive and you get a decent coffee with your meal. They have traditional eggs, meat, toast meals and also sandwich combos. Not the healthiest stuff but great for a greasy fast food fix. Four locations: Avalon Mall, Torbay Rd., the Village Mall and Mount Pearl. Of course, in this category there’s also Timmies, Micky D’s, Subway, and Burger King. Another option that’s not often thought of is Irving stores. Don’t laugh too hard...the gas station come general store has a few locations in the city that serve pretty decent coffee, several breakfast sandwiches, muffins, and the best banana bread.
In the sit-down breakfast category:
I was always a big fan of Bagel Cafe (Duckworth St.) and find their menu diverse (everything from bagel sandwiches, to samosas, to smoked salmon) and not badly priced. Their restaurant is usually packed on weekend mornings, though, and it’s not uncommon to wait in a line up that stretches out the door until a table frees up. There’s Smitty’s (Duckworth St. and in Mount Pearl) which always offers satisfying pancakes for cheap. Cora’s is a national franchise which is relatively new to the city and has two locations: Atlantic Place downtown and Kenmount Rd. Both offer large meals with fresh fruit and a colourful atmosphere. Cora’s was voted best breakfast 2008 by Scope fans. Perhaps my favourite sit-down breakfast meal, though, is at Zachary’s (Duckworth St.) where you can get the traditional breakfast (with beans!) & unlimited coffee for under $8. And it has all day breakfast so you can order anytime you feel a hankering.
Finally, in the traditional category:
I had a hard time distinguishing some of my favourite breakfast spots from the “traditional” spots, but I just think these are the ones you’d bring a friend from out of town or a homesick relative who is home for a visit. First up there’s the undeniable Velma’s on Water St. They have cheap eats, no frills atmosphere, you can get fried baloney (if you’re into that kind of thing), and the wait staff will probably call you “honey” or "lover.” If you want a more frilled location (or want breakfast at 2am) try the 24-hr Celtic Hearth on Water St. It’s a bit more expensive but they have black and white pudding (again, if you’re into that), and the best potato pancakes ever. For your basic toast, eggs, meat, coffee try the Big R (Harvey Rd. and Blackmarsh Rd.) where you can get a plate of food for about $6.50. Finally, if you want a nice brunch and don't mind paying a little extra for good quality food, try Bacalo which boasts "Nouvelle Newfoundland cuisine" and delivers with everything from fish and brewis to a dish called green eggs and lamb.
It's the most important meal of the day and well worth a trip out to visit a new place or your tried and true spot.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Ennis' YouTube Adventures
Thank-you to Product of Newfoundland for this information: Ennis (Maureen and Karen) have been posting some nice videos on YouTube of their Newfoundland food adventures. Check out Brunch with Ennis, Newfoundland Homemade Bread, and Cabbage Hash and Jammies.
I can tell you (as someone who has made bread from scratch) that their humorous take on having to be fit an in good shape to kneed the bread is spot on! And man can Karen high-kick!
I can tell you (as someone who has made bread from scratch) that their humorous take on having to be fit an in good shape to kneed the bread is spot on! And man can Karen high-kick!
More dough for your fill
Food costs on the rise
Has your weekly supermarket trip seemed more expensive lately? And I thought it was just me! Statistics Canada has recorded a sharp increase in basic food costs across the country. The Scope recently published an article about how rising food prices are affecting us here in NL.
Has your weekly supermarket trip seemed more expensive lately? And I thought it was just me! Statistics Canada has recorded a sharp increase in basic food costs across the country. The Scope recently published an article about how rising food prices are affecting us here in NL.
Friday, May 1, 2009
100 Mile Challenge
The Food Network Canada has begun the 100 mile challenge where they're promoting using food grown, produced and sold within 100 miles of your home. (Why it's not 100 KMs I don't know.) But it's an interesting concept and it piqued my interest as I think this would be difficult to do here in Newfoundland.
Our province doesn't have a wide array of foods locally grown but there are some and the Food Network's website has a list of some qualifying resources for local food. There are 11 on the list from NL (compared to 88 in New Brunswick and a whopping 257 in Ontario) but the site is worth a look to find out more about local growers and producers right here at home. You'll also find recipe ideas, tips and stories shared by those participating in the challenge all over the country.
Our province doesn't have a wide array of foods locally grown but there are some and the Food Network's website has a list of some qualifying resources for local food. There are 11 on the list from NL (compared to 88 in New Brunswick and a whopping 257 in Ontario) but the site is worth a look to find out more about local growers and producers right here at home. You'll also find recipe ideas, tips and stories shared by those participating in the challenge all over the country.
Healthy Eats
Healthy restaurant eating can be difficult in the best of situations. Here in St. John's, where a typical dining experience used to mean everything fried and at least one type of meat on your plate, alternative options for the non-traditionalist and health-conscience people are finally blossoming all over the place.
The leader of the pack is downtown's The Sprout on Duckworth St. The former Classic Cafe location has been retrofitted with tofu, chickpeas and a chill atmosphere. The focus at The Sprout is on good food, organic products and they even serve fair trade coffee (all at reasonable prices). This restaurant is a favorite of the hipster downtown set and is becoming a regular eating spot for regular folk, too...even meat eaters rave about the famous pad thai with tofu. The chickpea burger is tasty and comes with a salad that was actually made with a colourful variety of veggies (not just a bunch of lettuce and some cherry tomatoes). The chickpea curry is delish with coconut milk and broccoli, and they even have mushroom miso gravy which totally makes their veggie poutine dish quite yummy. Tip: skip the pricey pop or Perrier and order a local beer (it's actually cheaper). And if you're a vegan you'll go ga ga for The Sprout's dairy-free chocolate brownies ... you can even order some for take out and much while you stroll downtown.
Now that I have that raving review out of my system I will admit there are other places to get decent and healthy food around this place. Downtown there is Aunti Crae's where you can get a made-on-the-spot sandwich, fresh-made bread, and a piece of fresh fruit to go. Booster Juice in Atlantic Place (also on Topsail Rd., at MUN's food court, and in Mount Pearl) is extremely pricey (how do students afford this?) but jam-packed with fruit and other good stuff. If you can afford it try the pesto chicken wrap. Hava Java on Water is a staple for downtowners who love their coffee but they also serve a few mean sandwichs at lunch and a variety of fresh-squeezed juices. Pi on King's Rd. has fresh produce and quality ingredients to make up their salads and gourmet pizzas. Finally there's Hungry Heart Cafe on Military Rd. (Rawlins Cross) which serves homemade, nutritious food for a good cause. The Hungry Heart, a project with Stella Burry Community Services, offers employment training and opportunities and all money earned though the cafe goes back into its operations and community services.
Another socially healthy, as well as nutritious, places to eat is The Pantry (Clinch Cres., near Health Sciences Centre) which is operated by the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Try the citrus, beet and goat cheese salad, yum.
Finally, one more healthy food choice recommendation out of the downtown core: the Tea Room at the Garden, formerly Bloomin' Teapot. Opened in 1995 and located on Mt. Scio Rd. at Memorial's Botanical Gardens, this cafe serves a variety of teas, sandwiches, salads, soups and homemade desserts in a lovely setting.
And remember, you can always order a salad instead of fries, no-meat options and take a nice long walk after dinner.
The leader of the pack is downtown's The Sprout on Duckworth St. The former Classic Cafe location has been retrofitted with tofu, chickpeas and a chill atmosphere. The focus at The Sprout is on good food, organic products and they even serve fair trade coffee (all at reasonable prices). This restaurant is a favorite of the hipster downtown set and is becoming a regular eating spot for regular folk, too...even meat eaters rave about the famous pad thai with tofu. The chickpea burger is tasty and comes with a salad that was actually made with a colourful variety of veggies (not just a bunch of lettuce and some cherry tomatoes). The chickpea curry is delish with coconut milk and broccoli, and they even have mushroom miso gravy which totally makes their veggie poutine dish quite yummy. Tip: skip the pricey pop or Perrier and order a local beer (it's actually cheaper). And if you're a vegan you'll go ga ga for The Sprout's dairy-free chocolate brownies ... you can even order some for take out and much while you stroll downtown.
Now that I have that raving review out of my system I will admit there are other places to get decent and healthy food around this place. Downtown there is Aunti Crae's where you can get a made-on-the-spot sandwich, fresh-made bread, and a piece of fresh fruit to go. Booster Juice in Atlantic Place (also on Topsail Rd., at MUN's food court, and in Mount Pearl) is extremely pricey (how do students afford this?) but jam-packed with fruit and other good stuff. If you can afford it try the pesto chicken wrap. Hava Java on Water is a staple for downtowners who love their coffee but they also serve a few mean sandwichs at lunch and a variety of fresh-squeezed juices. Pi on King's Rd. has fresh produce and quality ingredients to make up their salads and gourmet pizzas. Finally there's Hungry Heart Cafe on Military Rd. (Rawlins Cross) which serves homemade, nutritious food for a good cause. The Hungry Heart, a project with Stella Burry Community Services, offers employment training and opportunities and all money earned though the cafe goes back into its operations and community services.
Another socially healthy, as well as nutritious, places to eat is The Pantry (Clinch Cres., near Health Sciences Centre) which is operated by the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Try the citrus, beet and goat cheese salad, yum.
Finally, one more healthy food choice recommendation out of the downtown core: the Tea Room at the Garden, formerly Bloomin' Teapot. Opened in 1995 and located on Mt. Scio Rd. at Memorial's Botanical Gardens, this cafe serves a variety of teas, sandwiches, salads, soups and homemade desserts in a lovely setting.
And remember, you can always order a salad instead of fries, no-meat options and take a nice long walk after dinner.
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